We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chaz Anthony a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Chaz, thanks for joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
“Turn your passion into your day job. You don’t have to follow the status quo. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith because you never know where you will land.”
Chaz, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was law school graduate from Memphis, TN. I’ve always been a multi-talented individual with a passion for both the legal world and the art of fashion. From a young age, I showcased an exceptional eye for style, often designing and sketching clothing for myself and friends. However, I also possessed a deep admiration for justice and the principles of law.
Throughout my undergraduate years, I juggled my interest in fashion with my commitment to his studies. I excelled academically, earning scholarships and recognition for my legal research and advocacy skills. While pursuing a law degree, I continued to nurture my love for fashion by attending local design events and participating in creative workshops during my free time.
As I progressed through law school, I noticed that the rigid structure of legal education left me craving for a creative outlet. In my third year of law school (3L), I experienced a significant turning point. During that year, I learned of a renowned fashion designer who had also studied law before pursuing a career in fashion (Mike Amiri). This finding served as a catalyst, inspiring me to explore the possibility of combining my legal background with his passion for design.
Intrigued by the idea of bridging my two interests, I decided to launch a small fashion line during my 3L year. Balancing the demands of law school with my entrepreneurial pursuit was challenging, but I remained determined to see my dream through. With unwavering dedication, I sketched designs during study breaks and late nights, collaborated with local tailors and fabric suppliers, and utilized my legal knowledge to navigate the complexities of running a business.
To my surprise, my designs quickly garnered attention from my peers and celebrities. My distinctive blend of sophistication and modernity stood out, and word of mouth spread throughout the campus. Encouraged by the positive feedback, I showcased my designs online and on social media, which became a huge success and drew media attention.
As my brand gained traction, I faced a pivotal decision during my final year of law school. I had achieved considerable recognition and acclaim in the fashion world, leading to opportunities to expand my brand beyond Memphis. In a courageous move, I decided to take a temporary hiatus from law after graduation to pursue my passion full-time.
I invested my time and energy into growing my brand. My legal background proved invaluable in handling contracts, negotiations, and managing business affairs. With my designs gracing runways and gaining attention from fashion enthusiasts, my brand quickly earned recognition on a national and eventually international scale.
DONTLETMOMFINDOUT became a prominent name in the fashion industry, seamlessly blending my legal acumen with my creative talent. I often mentioned in interviews that my time in law school equipped me with the discipline, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills that contributed to my success as a fashion designer.
My journey from a law school graduate with a passion for fashion to a well-known designer exemplified the power of following one’s passion and embracing unexpected opportunities. My story continues to inspire aspiring creatives and law graduates alike, reminding them that it is possible to combine different passions to create a unique and fulfilling career path
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I took a big pivot from being a law school graduate to a fashion designer. Even with school loans over my head like a dark cloud I took the leap of faith and it’s still paying off til this day.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
While in law school I was also an artist manager for a recording artist. However with studies piling up and my time running short, the artist decided to part ways with me. This left me feeling defeated as if I was not good enough. It wasn’t until I started my own brand that I noticed that I was better than enough. One closed door just lead to a 10 car garage!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DLMFO.com
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/ChazAnthony & www.instagram.com/dontletmomfindout